Attorneys general are a leading consumer protection force in the country, generally receiving their authority from state consumer protection laws giving the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state or territory. Some federal statutes also give attorneys general jurisdiction to enforce federal consumer protection laws. Additional consumer protection authority is based on the common law.
Attorneys general serve the public in a variety of ways in the sphere of consumer protection. These include:
- Education: Making consumers aware of their consumer rights and potential scams/frauds through speaking engagements, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices, social media, and other communications.
- Mediation: Serving as an independent mediator regarding disputes that consumers have with businesses.
- Consumers can file complaints with attorneys general, some of which offer a mediation service generally relying on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business. The mediator, who is independent and neutral, acts as a "go between" for the consumer and the business. Consumer complaints can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process.
- Enforcement: Investigation, settlement, and litigation of consumer protection matters.
Learn more about the role of attorneys general in consumer protection or how attorneys general work together on consumer protection matters.
Areas of Interest
Attorneys general have broad jurisdiction when it comes to consumer protection. Below are some of the numerous topics addressed by attorneys general.
- Annuities
- Automobiles
- Debt Relief
- Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceuticals
- Do-Not-Call/Robocalls
- For-Profit Colleges
- Government Imposters
- Health Fraud
- Mortgage Servicing
- Natural Disasters
- Predatory Leasing
- Privacy and Identity Theft
- Scams
- Seniors
- Servicemembers and Veterans
- Student Learn Servicing
- Telecommunication
Learn more about these topics by visiting ConsumerResources.org.
Courses and Trainings
Policy Letters
- Consumer Protection
- COVID
- Public Health
NAAG Works to Prevent the Online Sale of Fraudulent COVID Vaccination Cards
The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threaten the health of our communities, slow progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states.
- Consumer Protection
- Technology
NAAG Works to Expose Illegal Robocallers
State Attorneys General have long been leaders in the fight against illegal robocallers and their assault on the American people’s privacy.
- Consumer Protection
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Public Health
- Technology
Attorneys General Ask Apple and Google to Ensure All Contact Tracing Apps Serve a Public Health Purpose
Digital contact tracing may provide a valuable tool to understand the spread of COVID-19 and assist the public health response to the pandemic. However, such technology also poses a risk to consumers’ personally identifiable information, including sensitive health information, that could continue long after the present public health emergency ends.
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